Aptly named "NextGen" by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the move to transform our National Airspace System to the next generation of technology is underway – airports throughout the country have already kicked-off their efforts to be NextGen compliant.
Aptly named "NextGen" by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the move to transform our National Airspace System to the next generation of technology is underway – airports throughout the country have already kicked-off their efforts to be NextGen compliant.
USKH's in-house NextGen expert, Lisa Corcoran, Airport Project Manager, explains the concept as:
"Having tremendous potential and providing a useful asset for combining information from many sources into one database. Last year's or 30-year old asbuilts will no longer be needed. This database will assist many groups...from Airports, FAA, local governing jurisdictions, agencies, and consultants. As more and more Airports become familiar and comfortable with the dynamic features of the electronic database and program, the word will spread and other Airports will also recognize the need and advantages that come from this streamlined process.
While the initial cost to perform and complete the aeronautical surveys and electronic Airport Layout Plans (ALPs) can be a bit of a sticker shock, there is a long-term financial benefit for Airports. This database will allow for cost savings on future improvements and as a result, airport entitlements will be better utilized. In addition, the abundance of information that can be stored and retrieved from this on-line global database can improve day-to-day airport operations; inventory, mapping, and maintenance practices; identifying airfield utilities and structures; planning and designing projects; obtaining obstruction charts; assist in flight procedures; and the list goes on."
This is no small feat. Currently, airport data collection and input is not streamlined. Information comes from a variety of sources and input is not standard, resulting in a hodgepodge of different datums and formats being used for the same project. For example, ground surveys performed for flight procedures, obstruction evaluations, and 5010 data at the same location could end up in different coordinate systems with a multitude of different software packages required to read the final data. What is more, often the data exists without information regarding who collected it, how, and why, making it very difficult to put together these different datasets in a coherent fashion.
By using new technology, like aeronautical surveys and Geographic Information Systems (GIS) services, airports are able to ensure that data is comprehensive and accurate. Once the updated information is gathered, it is input into a standard format called Airport GIS (AGIS), which will be the foundation of NextGen activities. The FAA's standards for data submittal are stringent and all datasets are checked against these standards at the time of submittal though an automated on-line process. Once in a GIS format, the data can be easily queried and analyzed in ways that were not previously possible. It can also be used in diagrams and exhibits in ways that extend beyond the capabilities of CAD-based systems.
From AGIS, ALPs will be transformed into electronic Airport Layout Plans (eALPs). According to the FAA, the updated inventories of airport infrastructure data will be "used dynamically to develop new approach procedures, conduct obstruction analyses, produce moving maps, support eNOTAMS, update airport diagrams, and augment airport planning, system planning, and decision making."
The transition from current practices to NextGen will be challenging. Fortunately, the FAA has a wealth of information and training opportunities posted on their website for airport operators and design professionals. A great place to start is in their resources for advisory circulars.
Knowledge of aeronautical surveying requirements, prior work history on the airport and familiarity with airport operations are critical for successful and efficient completion of the objectives of work under NextGen. USKH has completed many aeronautical survey services under the now rescinded FAA No. 405 standards. Since the implementation of the new Advisory Circulars (ACs), USKH’s survey and engineering staff have attended conferences and training to fully familiarize, understand, and comply with the national FAA and AGIS objectives. Due to our proactive approach, USKH has been successful in working with the FAA and NGS on over ten airports. In 2010 USKH has established primary and secondary airport control stations at four airports in accordance with AC 150/5300-16A. Currently we are leading efforts to acquire airport imagery at ten airports, working with aerial mapping companies, in accordance with 150/5300-17B. USKH is also performing Airport Obstruction Chart (AOC) surveys at these ten airports and one construction airside survey in accordance with AC 150/5300-18B. In conjunction with the AOC survey, USKH is currently preparing one of the first eALPs as part of the AGIS pilot program.
The FAA likens the impact of NextGen to the birth of the Internet and eMail. It’s hard to remember doing business without either and after NextGen launches and is fully operational, most of us who provide our services to airports will be hard pressed to imagine life without it.
